Up-to-date information on possible power shortages

Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine has affected the energy situation in the entire EU. Energy consumption increases in the autumn and winter. The energy situation will be particularly challenging in Central Europe, but also in Finland where the energy crisis is reflected in rising prices. 

This page contains information on how and why everyone should participate in saving energy, what will cause a possible power shortage and how to act in the event of one. 

Saving energy and reducing peak consumption

In order for the electricity system to work, the volume of electricity produced and consumed must be equal in size. Whether there is sufficient electricity available depends on the volume of electricity generated and consumed. The production volume is affected by the weather and the situation at Olkiluoto 3, among other things. 

In winter, the volume of electricity available, if consumed at current levels, may at times exceed the volume produced. In such situations, the main grid operator Fingrid may have to make a decision carry out controlled regional power cuts. Controlled power cuts will prevent the entire electricity system from collapsing. 

By reducing consumption, everyone can help ensure that the demand for electricity does not exceed its supply. That is why, all should participate in the joint effort to save energy. 

Down a degree – To ensure energy for us all

In order for everyone to have enough electricity this winter, all households, companies and organisations should participate in saving energy. The “Down a degree” campaign provides concrete tips to lower energy consumption. These include:

  • Lower room temperature. Decreasing the temperature by one degree means five per cent less energy consumption. The recommended temperature is 20–21 ºC in living rooms and 18–20 ºC in bedrooms.
  • Use less warm water. Most warm water is used for hygiene purposes.
  • Avoid using electricity during peak hours, i.e. on weekdays at 8−10 and 16−18. Plan your everyday life to use the devices that consume the most energy (such as floor heating, oven) during times when there is enough electricity and it is affordable. Avoid using such devices during peak hours (on weekdays at 8–10 and at 16–18.)

More concrete energy saving tips and information about the Down a degree campaign is available on the campaign website.

Monitor and plan your electricity consumption

  • Download Fingrid’s ‘Tuntihinta’ application, which shows the hourly price of electricity for the next day, on your phone. 
  • Many electricity companies also offer applications that allow you to monitor your consumption and compare it with the consumption of the previous year, for example. You should also read the communications from your electricity company. 
  • Fingrid’s Datahub provides a great deal of information about your electricity contract and consumption. You can also check at Datahub what kind of electricity contract you have and which distribution network operates in your neighbourhood.

Power shortage and controlled power cuts

Even during normal conditions, power outages of one hour may occur unexpectedly due to storms or faults, for example. Under electricity market legislation, storms or snow may not cause black-outs of more than six hours in areas in which a local detailed plan is in force or more than 36 hours in other areas. Customers must therefore be prepared for power cuts in normal conditions too. 

If electricity consumption exceeds production, the main grid operator Fingrid will launch controlled power cuts. In practice, this means that Fingrid will inform local distribution networks about the volume of electricity consumption that needs to be reduced in each area. Distribution companies are responsible for distributing electricity to areas. The electricity vendor, i.e. the company with which households and others conclude an electricity contract, can be a different company than the distribution network company in the area.

The two-hour power cuts will be implemented on a rolling basis from one area to another until the shortage ends. The power shortage may be expected or unexpected. Fingrid and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will provide information about power shortages. Distribution network companies will communicate with their customers.
 

How to prepare for power shortages and what to do during them?

 

  • If you can reduce the use of electricity, especially during peak consumption, you will play a role in preventing electricity shortages. 
  • If there is a power outage, turn off all electrical appliances, especially the stove, iron, coffee maker and washing machine to ensure that they do not cause a fire when the power comes back.
  • Do not call the emergency number unless there is an emergency. 
  • Read more about how to prepare for a power outage at the Power outage - 72 hours website. 
     

More information

  • Read more about the home emergency food supply for 72 hours in case of power outages
  • Follow the communications from your electricity company and distribution network company. Many companies also have their own applications where they provide information directly to their customers. 
  • On Fingrid’s state of the power system website, you can monitor the production and consumption of electricity and the current forms of electricity generation.
  • The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment’s website provides extensive information about the impacts that Russia’s attack has on Finland’s energy situation.